Migraines During Pregnancy: Symptoms – Treatment

Contents

Migraines During Pregnancy

Migraines During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Treatment & Medication

Migraine headaches are a type of vascular headache that results from blood vessels dilating in the brain. These are different from stress or tension headaches.

Migraine headaches are like the lottery when it comes to pregnancy. If you were prone to getting migraines before getting pregnant, you may experience stronger headaches, or you may find that they diminish during pregnancy.

It is also normal to experience your first migraine when you are pregnant. Some studies have found a slight correlation between migraines and hormones. Women tend to get migraines more often than men.

A migraine usually starts out as a dull ache and then eventually becomes a throbbing, constant, and pulsating pain in the temples, front of the head, or base of the head.

Migraines are sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some people may experience an aura as well. An aura is wavy or jagged lines, or dots of flashing lights. You may also experience tunnel vision or blind spots.

Is it dangerous for pregnant woman to have migraines?

The only danger is when your headache may be a sign of something else. You should ALWAYS call your health care provider when:

Your headache is accompanied by a fever

Your headache persists for more than a few hours or returns frequently

You are experiencing blurred vision

It is ALWAYS important to let your health care provider know when you are experiencing any headaches and the details about them.

How can a pregnant woman treat a migraine headache?

Keep a headache diary: This diary should include when the headache happened, what “triggered” it, and how long it lasted. If you keep a log of your headaches, you can learn what triggers them and therefore avoid those things.

Common triggers may include but are not limited to:

Triggers are different for everyone. This is why it is important for you to keep a headache diary.

Common home remedies for migraine headaches include:

Apply a cold towel on your head

Take a cold shower

Take a nap

Exercise

Biofeedback (ask your doctor)

Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga

Applying heat or cold to the sides of the head, the eyes, or along the back of the neck is one of the best ways to relieve the pain associated with a migraine.

Heating pads and cold packs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most of these require using a microwave or the freezer before using.

Most health care providers consider acetaminophen (Tylenol) to be the pain relief medication of choice during pregnancy, but you should always talk with your doctor before taking any medication.

Pregnant women should NOT take anything containing aspirin or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) unless prescribed by a health care provider. Consult your doctor about the best form of pain relief for your migraines.

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